Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam – Religious
Significance
The
temple is one of the nine
Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular
Navagraha pilgrimage in the state. It houses the image of Kethu (South Node).
The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of
one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets
are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus
sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are
believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad
effects are mitigated by prayers.
As in other Navagraha
temples, the common worship practices of the devotees include
offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity.
Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple. As per
contemporary Shaivite belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas
can be channeled based on remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the
overlord of the nine planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes
based on devotion of the devotees.
Navagraha
Temples of Tamil Nadu are;
1. Suryanar
Kovil, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Suryan / Sun)
2. Kailasanathar
Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur (Chandran / Moon)
3.
Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam (Chevvai / Mars)
4.
Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam (Budhan / Mercury)
5. Apatsahayesvarar
Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur (Guru / Jupiter)
6. Agniswarar
Temple, Kanjanur, Thanjavur (Sukran / Venus)
7. Tirunallar
Saniswaran Temple (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple), Karaikal, Puducherry (Sani /
Saturn)
8. Naganathaswamy
Temple, Tirunageswaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Rahu / North Node)
9. Naganathaswamy
Temple, Keezhperumpallam, Nagapattinam (Kethu / South Node)